Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan hold first meeting of Working Group on energy cooperation

The first meeting of the working group on energy cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan has been held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Addressing the meeting, Co-chair of the working group, Deputy Minister of Energy Samir Valiyev hailed the political relations between the two countries, underlining the mutual visits of the heads of state in laying a solid foundation for the successful development of energy cooperation. Noting cooperation covering such areas as trade of oil and gas, oil and petrochemical products, as well as exchange of experience and information in the energy sector, the Deputy Minister underscored the importance of energy-related documents signed between the two countries for further development of relations in this regard. It was also touched upon large-scale renewable energy projects being implemented in both countries, and cooperation between the institutions operating in the field.

Hailing the current level of cooperation, the Co-chair of the working group for Uzbekistan, Deputy Minister of Energy Akmal Jumanazarov highlighted development of Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan energy relations and close cooperation of various state agencies in this field. The current level of cooperation was highly appreciated. He also gave insight into the measures implemented in the field of energy, including renewable energy, and the work done in connection with the phased transition to the liberal energy market in Uzbekistan.

The meeting focused on a number of issues stemming from the memorandum of understanding on energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, the Road Map on the expansion of cooperation in the field of energy, energy transition, decarbonisation, transportation of oil and petrochemical products, oil refining, as well as cooperation in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan and participation of Uzbek companies in renewable energy projects, cooperation on geological exploration, joint activities on the production of hydrocarbons,as well as construction of new thermal power plants at the expense of private investments, heat supply, liberalization of energy markets, efficient use of energy resources, energy regulation, exchange of experience in these areas and organization of joint trainings, promotion of mutual investments. The sides also discussed cooperation between energy institutions as well as draft agreements to be signed between the energy ministries of the two countries, "Uzbekneftegaz" and SOCAR, and other issues of mutual concern.

On behalf of Azerbaijan, a delegation including representatives of the Ministry of Energy, SOCAR, Azerenergy OJSC, Energy Regulatory Agency under the Ministry of Energy and the AREA under the Ministry attended the meeting of the working group.